Traction Alopecia Repair

Alopecia is the loss of hair. Traction alopecia is the loss of hair caused by traction. Constant pulling or tension on hair follicles with hair pulled into a pony tail or tight braids can cause traction alopecia. Hair follicles become damaged over time with the constant tension. After repeated pulling and tension the hair follicles eventually no longer generate a new hair.

Traction alopecia is most commonly seen in the frontal hair line, temples and sides of the hair line but can also occur behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. It can be devastating for individuals, with constant efforts to hide or conceal the areas of hair loss caused by tractions alopecia.

Tightly braiding hair is common in women of African or African American descent and is very attractive in appearance. Tightly braiding hair is also becoming more popular among women and girls of Caucasian descent as well. Understanding that hair follicles are sensitive and prone to damage by exerting tension on the hair roots when hair is tightly braided is very important. Most women would never tightly braid their hair if they knew that the hair would be damaged. Therefore, its best to avoid the damage by choosing a different hair style that does not damage the hair.

By adopting new hair styles that release tension on the hair, in conjunction with the use of over the counter available topical Rogaine or Minoxodil, damaged hair follicles might be given the opportunity to regrow new hairs. However, in many cases the damage has already been done. Hair follicles might have been damaged to the point of no longer producing a hair. In this case hair transplantation is the best and often the only option.

Traction Alopecia Repair can restore and fill in the areas of hair loss caused by traction alopecia when non-surgical options are not effective or hair loss is too extensive.

Careful planning and artistic design can recreate a hairline and fill in density in areas affected by traction alopecia.

Call our office today ( 425-941-8600 ) or Contact Us to set up a complimentary consultation.

Dr. Brian Goertz MD

Education:

MD cum laude 1979 University of Saskatchewan, Canada

BSc cum laude 1977 University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Certification:

Board certified by ABHRS 2007

Board certified CCFP 1989

Fellow of the ISHRS 2015

Dr. Goertz has been practicing hair restoration surgery full-time in the greater Seattle area since 2003.